Classic Poem

Vinegar of Cruelty

Now, be cruel
when this door is opened, do not say a word.
Without welcoming, just show a slight nod
wherever he studies, on the floor or in the field
whatever he does, goes away or not
Don't speak to him—that boy must be expecting me to say a word
and to be as warm as we were at lunch
and to be soft like a leaf of spinach
Yes, I am warm as before, but a little different
some vinegar has been added, the vinegar of cruelty
You, bastard—this little rascal—unreliable—sixth grader
this motherless boy—a life
I am such a person—cruel—sorry—but cruel
You, you stopped humming—you are quite headstrong—bastard—drop deadEnglishKim Suyong